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  Issue # 19 | October 2024
The Power of Your Abilities: Showcasing Your Strengths
 Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! This fall, it’s time to highlight and hone your individual skills – specifically those that can increase your employability and influence on a workplace. Whether you excel in managing teams, meeting deadlines or using technology, your strengths are valuable! Especially for individuals with disabilities, who bring many advantages to an employer, it’s necessary to communicate needs and abilities clearly. By focusing on what you can do, rather than limitations you see within yourself, you demonstrate your readiness and potential in the job market.
Why Employers Benefit from Hiring People of All Abilities
Hiring individuals with disabilities brings many advantages to businesses. People who are blind or visually impaired can add creative perspectives and problem-solving skills that add to team performance and creativity. They can also reflect the diverse society companies aim to serve, helping businesses connect with an all-embracing customer base. Despite the considerable contributions of individuals with disabilities, outdated stereotypes and misconceptions still hinder employment opportunities. It is necessary to help employers in Michigan, and throughout the US, recognize and focus on what candidates can achieve rather than what they cannot.
How Pre-ETS Supports You
Our Pre-ETS staff are dedicated to empowering students with disabilities to succeed and excel in the workplace. We offer support to help you identify and showcase your strengths, develop job-ready skills, and prepare for successful employment. Through workshops and programs such as Lean In! and our upcoming ALPS program (read below to find out more!), mentoring, and work-based learning experiences, BSBP can give you the tools needed to highlight your abilities to potential employers. This support is key to overcoming your barriers and stepping into your future career!
As you celebrate NDEAM, remember that all of your abilities are powerful assets. By using Pre-ETS and focusing on your accomplishments, you can demonstrate your value and ability to make meaningful contributions in any professional setting. Embrace your strengths, and let’s continue to advocate for a workplace that recognizes and values the talents of all individuals!
To learn more, check out these links:
- "I Can" PSA - What Can YOU Do?
- U.S. Department of Labor NDEAM page
Don't forget to check out the BSBP Pre-ETS/Transition Services page and see what new and exciting programs are planned. Explore, sign up and connect with your counselor today regarding any questions.
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Our goal is to help students aged 14 to 26 to successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment. We offer lots of exciting camps and weekend trips to help you learn while having some fun and meeting other students who are Blind and Visually impaired across the state!
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Check out this list of scholarship and grant opportunities from around the country.
Please check the specific application deadline and requirements for each because they vary.
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Our BSBP Training Center is looking to hire a student assistant (must be enrolled in high school, college or technical school) to assist our participants and staff!
In this position, you will fill many roles, such as covering the front desk, monitoring security cameras, participant check-ins and registrations, providing tours, dorm room and apartment orientations, and assisting with hosting activities.
This position will look great on a resume, utilizes and refines workplace readiness skills, and offers a competitive rate of pay. If this sounds like something you are interested in, learn more and apply here.
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 On September 14, our BSBP staff and program participants enjoyed a fun, relaxing and educational day at Spring Valley Trout Farm in Dexter, Michigan, as part of the Fishing with BSBP program.
Participants and families arrived at the Trout Farm at noon and received a tutorial on fishing techniques following a delicious lunch and some goody bags. Once we set out to test our skills, every participant successfully caught a fish! Participants and staff had the chance to socialize, learn something new, and connect with the friendly team at the trout farm.
Nevertheless, the program wasn’t just about fun. We also focused on workplace readiness and interview skills through a Jeopardy game. The winner took home some Swedish fish, and all participants demonstrated their knowledge outstandingly!
The event not only emphasized skill development but also the importance of community and connection. Through Pre-ETS programming like this one, students gain exposure to resources and work knowledge that can lead to new career and marketing opportunities.
A huge thank you to the staff at Spring Valley Trout Farm for their support and to Sam Duke, East Region Transition Consultant, and the BSBP team for organizing such a fantastic event.
November 2024 - September 2025
Get ready for ALPs (Advocates, Leaders, and Professionals), an upcoming program running November 2024 through September 2025 for students who have an interest and availability to focus on strengthening their ability to advocate, lead and secure professional level employment aligned with their goals.
The ALPs program will provide professional development, leadership-focused training, and work-based learning opportunities, and is aimed to support current and prospective BSBP customers who are enrolled in post-secondary training, college or in an approved Gap Year.
Students who are interested in participating can submit an ALPs Interest Form. Registration deadline is October 15, 2024, so don’t wait!
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November 8, 2024, 12-1 p.m.
During this Zoom webinar, BSBP transition consultants will be providing an overview of the BSBP referral process, taking a deep dive on Potentially Eligible vs. Vocational Rehabilitation case types, a review of territory list, overview of the Vocational Rehabilitation continuum, conflict resolution, BSBP Newsletter and upcoming programs.
Register at https://bit.ly/BSBPTransitionSeriesNov24.
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November 16, 2024
To infinity and BEEyond! Join Michigan Department of Education-Low Incidence Outreach (MDE-LIO) on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Wayne County Community College District-Ted Scott Campus for the first Michigan Regional Abacus Bee!
Test your math skills as we embark on the first Michigan Regional Abacus Bee! Join us for a fun day of STEM activities and math competition. Competitors will demonstrate their math abilities using an abacus, math manipulatives, finger math, or mental math. We will have fun activities and learning opportunities for everyone, so parents and siblings are invited to join in the fun. Competitors will have an opportunity to earn a spot in the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Abacus Bee National Competition!
This event is for K-12 students in Michigan who are Blind or Low Vision and use an abacus, mental math, finger math, or counting cubes/manipulatives. Parents and family members are also invited to attend; siblings who are not competing may participate in other fun activities.
Learn more and register for the Michigan Regional Abacus Bee.
This program is sponsored by MDE-LIO and APH. Please note that students do not need to use an abacus for this competition, but they may not use written methods or calculators for solving the problems.
We will need many volunteers to make this event a success. ACVREP and SCECH credits available. Register as a volunteer here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to EnglishA1@michigan.gov.
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Do you have an awesome BSBP counselor who goes above and beyond to help you (or your child) achieve your goals? Well now you can tell the world about them😊!
We would love to feature your counselor in one of our upcoming monthly newsletters! Complete your quick and easy nomination at https://forms.gle/i2EkPg72Z6927xEd8.
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Not a student currently working with BSBP and want to get in on the action?
BSBP has offices across the state and can meet you in the comfort of your own home and/or school. Contact our BSBP mainline at 1-800-292-4200 to get started or visit this link for office locations.
Questions for the Pre-ETS Team? Reach out to LEO-BSBPTransition@michigan.gov.
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